Lockable packaging

ABSTRACT

A lockable receptacle ( 97 ) is used in a package which includes an outer sleeve ( 95 ) and a two-part complementary locking mechanism for releasably locking the lockable receptacle ( 97 ) within the outer sleeve ( 95 ). The lockable receptacle provides a first part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism in the form of a locking element ( 90 ) co-operative with a second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism that is provided by an outer sleeve. The lockable receptacle includes a main portion ( 88   a,    88   b ) for holding and/or accommodating an article. The locking element ( 90 ) is affixed to the main portion and has an engaging portion ( 98 ) shaped and arranged for engaging the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to lockable packaging such as child-resistant, senior-friendly packages for healthcare type applications, sleeve-and-drawer style packages for consumer goods such as food, recreational drugs (for example, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, etc.), toys, hardware and electrical items or the like and, more specifically but not exclusively, to a lockable slide receptacle (for example, a blister card, a tray, a box, etc.), an outer sleeve (or shell) and to a sleeve-and-drawer style package having an internal slidable receptacle, releasably lockable within the outer sleeve. Typical examples of sleeve-and-drawer packages where the present invention may be employed include, but are not limited to, unit dose packages for pharmaceutical tablets, capsules or lozenges, and security packages to deter package pilferage for small high-value items, such as consumer electronics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging, particularly in the field of healthcare and medication packaging, it is often required to provide consumers or patients with secure packaging that has child-resistant features to restrict or prevent access to the package contents by a child. At the same time, it is useful for the patient to be able to access their own medication with some degree of ease; as such, it is beneficial if the packaging is also “senior-friendly”. Many packages are available that comprise an inner slide card that holds articles such as medicaments, tablets or vitamins in blisters. The blisters are sealed (often by a foil layer or a polymeric film) to retain product freshness, and are arranged in rows to encourage patients to take the appropriate dose (it being readily visible how many items have been consumed, and how many items are to be consumed). The blisters may be formed directly within the slide card, or a separate blister strip may be attached to a sheet of material to form an inner slide card. The inner slide card, with the blisters of articles, is then slidable inside an outer sleeve. The inner slide card is usually retained and locked inside, the inner slide card providing a locking tail flap that engages the outer sleeve. An unlocking mechanism is usually provided on the outer sleeve to permit the release of the inner slide card. Such unlocking mechanisms often require some dexterity to operate, or require user realisation that co-ordinated operation of more than one feature is required; this may make the package child-resistant. Typically, such packages require a consumer to use both of their hands: a first hand to hold the outer sleeve and press the unlocking mechanism; and a second hand to grasp the inner slide card and withdraw it from the outer sleeve. A package that can be unlocked and the inner slide card withdrawn using only one-handed operation would be advantageous.

Further considerations in this technical field are the need for such packages to be re-opened and re-locked many times without failure. A course of medication may, for example, require twenty-one or more doses to be taken over a period of time, and the package must be useable to re-lock and release the blister containing slide card repeatedly without failure. Equally, the cost of providing healthcare products and medication must, as far as possible, be minimised and as such it is desirable to keep the cost of the packaging as low as possible whilst maintaining its durability. Whilst it is also advantageous to provide clearly printed information (such as pill calendars and/or other patient-directed information) on the package, the size of the package is preferably minimised, not only to reduce its production costs by using less material, but also to reduce shipping costs. A lightweight and compact package, with a locking feature that can withstand repeated use, is therefore advantageous.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging more specifically but not exclusively, in the field of packaging comprising inner slide cards and outer sleeves.

A package, or components of a package, of the invention may include an outer structure for containing an internally positionable lockable receptacle and means for locking, unlocking and retaining the internally positioned lockable receptacle. A package according to the invention may include an opening that allows the insertion and partial extraction of the lockable receptacle, and may provide means for positioning the lockable receptacle within the structure such that one or more locking elements of the lockable receptacle engage the outer structure to mechanically lock the receptacle in place, thereby preventing the lockable receptacle from being pulled or withdrawn from the outer structure. Preferably, a package of the invention provides means in the outer structure for disengaging the mechanical locking features associated with or co-operative with a means by which the inner slide card can be at least partially pushed-out or otherwise extracted from the outer structure.

As used herein the term “lockable receptacle” refers to an internally positionable product holding receptacle that may comprise one or more product holding compartments, such as blisters, integrally formed thereon and/or that may comprise one or more product holding compartments, such as blisters, provided on one or more separate strips attached to or otherwise held thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a lockable receptacle for use in a package comprising an outer sleeve and a two-part complementary locking mechanism for releasably locking the lockable receptacle within the outer sleeve. The lockable receptacle provides a first part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism in the form of a locking element that is co-operative with a second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism that is provided by an outer sleeve. The lockable receptacle comprises a main portion for holding and/or accommodating an article and the locking element is affixed to a first surface of the main portion. The locking element has an engaging portion that is shaped and arranged for engaging the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism.

Preferably, the locking element comprises a first lap panel hinged directly to a first edge of the main portion of the lockable receptacle.

Preferably, the first lap panel is hinged directly to the first edge of the main portion of the lockable receptacle at a location that is off-set from a centre point along the first edge of the main portion.

Preferably, the engaging portion is provided by a cut and/or hinge edge of the locking element, which cut and/or hinge edge is inset from said first edge of the main portion of the lockable receptacle.

Even more preferably, the locking element comprises a second lap panel that is hinged to the first lap panel, the second lap panel is folded and sandwiched between the first lap panel and the main portion and is affixed thereto such that the locking element is formed as a two-ply arrangement hinged to and affixed to the main portion of the lockable receptacle.

Preferably, the cut and/or hinge edge comprises, in sequence, a fold line, a full-depth cut or half-depth cut and a further fold line.

Preferably, the locking element is trapezoidal in shape.

Preferably, the lockable receptacle has a series of product holding blisters and comprises a false blister, wherein the false blister is located proximate to the locking element and depends from a second or opposite surface of the main portion and is provided to support the lockable receptacle in the vicinity of the locking element for ensuring that the locking element locates and properly engages the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism.

Yet even more preferably, the lockable receptacle accommodates two blister strips: a first blister strip sandwiched between a first main portion panel and a second main portion panel of the main portion; and a second blister strip sandwiched between a first bottom portion panel and a second bottom portion panel of a bottom portion of the lockable receptacle, and wherein a first retention flap is connected to the first bottom portion panel and a second retention flap is connected to the second bottom portion panel. Further preferably, a first spine panel connects the first main portion panel to the first bottom portion panel and a second spine panel connects the second main portion panel to the second bottom portion panel.

According to another aspect of the disclosure for which protection is sought, there is provided a package comprising an outer sleeve and a lockable receptacle according to any of the relevant preceding paragraphs. The outer sleeve may have a tubular structure for housing the lockable receptacle defined by: a bottom wall; a composite top wall; a first side wall; and a second side wall, and having an open front end and a closed rear end. The composite top wall may comprise an access aperture extending through the composite top wall such that a portion of the lockable receptacle, when held within the outer sleeve, is contactable therethrough, and the composite top wall comprising a second part of a two-part complementary locking mechanism for engaging the locking element 90 of the lockable receptacle, said second part comprising a locking aperture 68 b/70 b formed in at least one panel forming the composite top wall.

Preferably, in the package according to the immediately preceding paragraph, the composite top wall comprises: an outer top panel, an intermediate top panel and an inner top panel. The access aperture is formed from an outer aperture in the outer top panel; an intermediate aperture in the intermediate top panel; and an inner aperture in the inner top panel. The outer aperture, intermediate aperture and inner aperture are sized and at least partially super-positioned such that the access aperture extends through part of the composite top wall and the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism comprises an intermediate locking aperture in the intermediate top panel and an inner locking aperture in the inner top panel, the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture being sized and super-positioned such that a cut edge of the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture together form a locking edge against which the engaging portion of the locking element abuts when the lockable receptacle is locked within the outer sleeve.

Preferably, the access aperture is sized and positioned to enable at least part of the lockable receptacle to be depressed or deformed to a sufficient degree to release the locking element from engagement with the locking edge and to enable the lockable receptacle to be moved out of the outer sleeve through the open end.

Preferably, the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism is occluded from view by the outer top panel.

Preferably, the intermediate access aperture and the intermediate locking aperture are connected; and the inner access aperture and the inner locking aperture are connected. By connected, it is meant contiguous and without a break.

Preferably, the intermediate locking aperture is positioned substantially to the side of the intermediate access aperture and the inner locking aperture is positioned substantially to the side of the inner access aperture.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure for which protection is sought, there is provided an outer sleeve for use in the package of any of the relevant preceding paragraphs. The outer sleeve having a tubular structure for housing a lockable receptacle defined by: a bottom wall; a composite top wall; a first side wall; and a second side wall, and having an open front end and a closed rear end, the composite top wall comprising an access aperture extending through the composite top wall such that a portion of a lockable receptacle, when held within the outer sleeve, is contactable therethrough, and the composite top wall comprising a second part of a two-part complementary locking mechanism for engaging the locking element of the lockable receptacle, said second part comprising a locking aperture formed in at least one panel forming the composite top wall.

Preferably, the composite top wall comprises: an outer top panel, an intermediate top panel and an inner top panel, wherein the access aperture is formed from an outer aperture in the outer top panel; an intermediate aperture in the intermediate top panel; and an inner aperture in the inner top panel, which outer aperture, intermediate aperture and inner aperture are sized and at least partially super-positioned such that the access aperture extends through part of the composite top wall, and wherein the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism comprises an intermediate locking aperture in the intermediate top panel and an inner locking aperture in the inner top panel, the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture being sized and super-positioned such that a cut edge of the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture together form a locking edge against which the engaging portion of the locking element abuts when the lockable receptacle is locked within the outer sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1. is a plan view of a blank for forming an outer sleeve;

FIG. 2. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming part of a lockable receptacle in which two blister strips may be held;

FIG. 3. is a perspective view of a package comprising an outer sleeve formed from the blank of FIG. 1 and a lockable receptacle formed from the blank of FIG. 2 and two blister strips;

FIG. 4. is a partial view from the side of the package of FIG. 3 wherein a portion of the outer sleeve has been cut-away to show the lockable receptacle in locking engagement with the outer sleeve;

FIG. 5. is a partial view from the side of the package of FIG. 3 wherein a portion of the outer sleeve has been cut-away to show the lockable receptacle in an unlocked position;

FIG. 6. is yet another perspective view from above of the package of FIG. 3, wherein a user has operated an unlocking mechanism and is sliding the lockable receptacle out of an open-end of the outer sleeve using only one hand; and

FIG. 7. is a further perspective view showing the lockable receptacle in a withdrawn state wherein it has almost been completely removed from the outer sleeve and all products can be accessed, but a retaining flap of the lockable receptacle remains in engagement with the outer sleeve to maintain a connection between the lockable receptacle and the outer sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks, lockable receptacles and outer sleeves are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the package, blanks, lockable receptacles and outer sleeves described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

The present invention provides a restricted access package 100 comprising a lockable receptacle (e.g., a blister strip, an inner slide card, a slidable tray or box, etc.) 97 and an outer sleeve 95. The lockable receptacle 97 and outer sleeve 95 have co-operative features which can lock the lockable receptacle 97 within the outer sleeve 95 to thereby allow only restricted access to the lockable receptacle 97. Additionally, the lockable receptacle 97 and outer sleeve 95 of the present invention have co-operative features to enable the lockable receptacle 97 to be unlocked and at least partially withdrawn or partially slid out from the outer sleeve 95 so that a user may access the blisters ‘B’ and articles or products ‘P’ held or accommodated thereby. In a locked configuration of the package 100, the lockable receptacle 97 is stowed within the respective outer sleeve 95 and locked in place by a two-part mechanical complementary locking mechanism such that the products ‘P’ held in one or more blisters ‘B’ cannot be accessed. Disengagement of the locking mechanism requires knowledge of its existence, how to disengage it as well as some dexterity to disengage the locking mechanism and, at the same time, withdraw the lockable receptacle 97. In this way, access to the lockable receptacle 97 may be restricted to only those users of sufficient knowledge and dexterity. Beneficially, the present disclosure presents an arrangement, wherein the disengagement of the locking mechanism and at least partial withdrawal of the lockable receptacle 97 can be achieved by a user of the package 100 with only one hand (see FIG. 6).

As a further optional aspect of the invention, it is envisaged that in certain embodiments, the lockable receptacle 97 and outer sleeve 95 may have co-operative features to prevent, restrict or otherwise mitigate against the lockable receptacle 97 from being completely removed from the outer sleeve 95. An unlocked configuration of the package 100 is illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein the lockable receptacle 97 is disengaged and withdrawn from the outer sleeve 95, albeit only to a permitted and limited extent, from the outer sleeve 95 and remains connected thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 for forming an outer sleeve 95. The outer sleeve 95 is shown in an erect form in FIGS. 3 to 7. The blank 10 and hence outer sleeve 95 may be formed from a variety of materials, for example, plastics material, paperboard-plastic composite material, paperboard material, combinations of these and other materials and the like. Optionally, and as illustrated, the outer sleeve 95 may be formed from foldable sheet material, for example paperboard.

As illustrated, the outer sleeve 95 forms a generally tubular structure (see FIGS. 3 and 7) with a generally rectangular cross section. Blank 10 has a series of foldably attached panels for forming the tubular structure which include: an outer top panel 12, a first side panel 14, a bottom panel 16; a second side panel 18, an inner top panel 20 and an intermediate top panel 22 hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 (see FIG. 1).

The bottom panel 16 and intermediate top panel 22, at a “closed” end thereof are optionally hingedly attached to first and second rear end closure flaps 34, 36 respectively. Additionally, the bottom panel 16, at its opposite “open” end, is optionally hingedly attached to a retention flap 38 that is useful for preventing complete withdrawal of the lockable receptacle 97 from the outer sleeve 95 (see FIG. 7).

The blank 10 comprises means for forming a composite access aperture 50/68 a/70 a in the set-up outer sleeve 95. An outer access aperture 50 is struck from or otherwise formed in the outer top panel 12. The outer access aperture 50 is optionally defined by an endless cut line 52, which optionally has a rounded front edge. An intermediate access aperture 70 a is struck from or otherwise formed in the intermediate top panel 22. The intermediate access aperture 70 a is defined by a cut line 67. An inner access aperture 68 a is struck from or otherwise formed in the inner top panel 20. The inner access aperture 68 a is defined by a cut line 64.

The blank 10 also comprises means for forming a second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism which engages a locking element 90 of the lockable receptacle 97 (described below). The second part comprises an engaging portion 65/66 or locking edge 65/66 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that is provided by: a cut edge 66 of an appropriately sized, shaped and positioned intermediate locking aperture 70 b that is struck from or otherwise formed in the intermediate top panel 22; and by a cut edge 65 of an appropriately sized, shaped and positioned inner locking aperture 68 b that is struck from or otherwise formed in the inner top panel 20.

Optionally, in the presently illustrated arrangement, the intermediate access aperture 70 a and intermediate locking aperture 70 b are defined by the same endless cut line 67 and are contiguous with one another (i.e. are connected without a break). As such, the intermediate access aperture 70 a and intermediate locking aperture 70 b together form a single aperture 62. Similarly, the inner access aperture 68 a and inner locking aperture 68 b are formed by the same endless cut line 64 and are contiguous with one another (i.e. are connected without a break). As such, the inner aperture 68 a and inner locking aperture 68 b together form a single aperture 60. However, in an alternative embodiment, the intermediate access aperture 70 a and intermediate locking aperture 70 b may be provided as two separate apertures while the inner access aperture 68 a and inner locking aperture 68 b may also be formed as two separate apertures.

In the present arrangement, a single, off-centered locking element 90 is provided on the lockable receptacle 97 (described below and see FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7). The intermediate locking aperture 70 b and inner locking aperture 68 b are therefore provided off-centered and in a position such that they will align with the locking element 90 of the lockable receptacle 97 (see FIG. 3). In an alternative embodiment, however, locking element 90 may be positioned at a central location provided that the inner locking aperture 68 b is centrally positioned behind, and spaced from, the inner access aperture 68 a and that the intermediate locking aperture 70 b is centrally positioned behind, and spaced from, the intermediate access aperture 70 a. Preferably, the outer top panel 12 is not provided with a locking aperture and provides a solid covering panel portion in the region above the intermediate and inner locking apertures 70 b, 68 b, so that the two-part complementary, child-proofing, locking mechanism 66/65; 70 b/68 b, 90 is obscured from view and not itself directly accessible from the exterior of the package 100, when the lockable receptacle 97 is stowed and locked within the outer sleeve 95.

To form an outer sleeve 95 from the blank 10, the blank is positioned as shown in FIG. 1, with its printed (outer) surface facing outwards. The intermediate panel 22 is then folded about fold line 32 so that it lies in flat-face contacting relationship with the inner top panel 20. In the present embodiment, at least one region of the outer surface of the intermediate panel 22 is affixed, optionally by means of adhesive, to the outer surface of the inner panel 20.

The blank 10 is then flipped over such that the non-printed outer surfaces of the outer top panel 12, first side panel 14, bottom panel 16, second side panel 18 and inner top panel 20 face outwards and such that the intermediate top panel 22 is disposed beneath the inner top panel 20. The retention flap 38 is folded about fold line 44 toward the inside surface of the bottom panel 16. Optionally, the retention flap 38 is not adhered thereto, however, in the present embodiment, the retention flap 38 is affixed, preferably by means of adhesive, to the inside face of the bottom panel 16. The inner top panel 20, together with the intermediate panel 22 affixed thereto, is then folded about fold line 30 until the inside surface of the inner top panel 20 rests on top of the second side panel 14 and on top of part of the bottom panel 16 and retention flap 38. This brings the inside surface of the intermediate panel 22 into an outward facing position. Adhesive or other affixing agent may be applied to one or more regions of the intermediate panel 22, taking care to avoid the aperture 62. Then the outer top panel 12 is folded, together with the first side panel 14 about fold line 26 such that the inside face of the first side panel 14 is in flat face contact with part of the inside face of the bottom panel 16 and such that the outer top panel 12 overlays and is affixed to the intermediate top panel 22. The inner top panel 20, intermediate top panel 22 and outer top panel 12 are affixed together to form a composite top wall 12/22/20 that generally comprises three-layers (in other words is substantially a 3-ply construct), in which outer access aperture 50 intermediate access aperture 70 a and inner access aperture 68 a are overlaid. Similarly, the intermediate locking aperture 70 b and inner locking aperture 68 b are overlaid, though they are not readily visible or accessible. Optionally, the intermediate panel 22 may be omitted from the blank 10, and inner panel 20 may be affixed directly to the outer top panel 12 to form a 2-ply composite top wall.

The outer aperture 50, intermediate aperture 70 a and inner aperture 68 a are similarly sized and shaped and when the outer sleeve 95 is formed from the blank 10, they are at least partially super-positioned such that a composite access aperture 50/68 a/70 a is formed that extends all of the way through a region of the composite top wall 12/20/22. In envisaged embodiments, one or more of the outer aperture 50, intermediate aperture 70 a and inner aperture 68 a may be covered by a displaceable and frangibly connected cover panel and as such the access aperture 50/68 a/70 a may need to be formed in order for a first use of the package 100 to take place, optionally by removing one or more cover panels.

The intermediate locking aperture 70 b and inner locking aperture 68 b are sized and super-positioned in the completed outer sleeve 95 such that the cut edges 66, 65 of the intermediate locking aperture 70 b and the inner locking aperture 68 b together form the second part of the locking mechanism; a recess and a two-ply deep locking edge 66/65, against which an engaging portion 98 of the locking element 90 abuts when the lockable receptacle 97 is locked within the outer sleeve 95.

To complete construction of the outer sleeve 95, the flat form, part-formed outer sleeve 95 is opened into an open-ended tubular structure. The composite rear end wall 34/36 is then formed, preferably by first folding the second rear end closure flap 36 downwardly about fold line 42 and applying adhesive to its non-coated/non-printed outward facing surface. The first rear end wall flap 34 is then folded about fold line 40 and into affixed and face contacting relationship with the second rear end closure flap 36.

Once formed, the outer sleeve 95 comprises a composite top wall 12/20/22; a first side wall 14; a bottom wall 16; and a second side wall 18. The outer sleeve 95 has an open front end and a rear end closed by the composite rear end wall 34/36. The composite top wall 12/20/22 comprises the access aperture 50/68 a/70 a which extends all of the way through the composite top wall 12/20/22 such that a portion of a lockable receptacle 97, when held within the outer sleeve 95, is directly contactable therethrough.

Turning now to the blank 80 shown in FIG. 2 for forming the lockable receptacle 97, that is used in conjunction with the outer sleeve 95 formed from the blank 10 of FIG. 1. It can be seen that in this exemplary, non-limiting and entirely optional embodiment that the blank 80 comprises a first (left) side 88 a/86 a/84 a/82 a and a second (right) side 88 b/86 b/84 b/82 b, between which two product-holding blister strips may be placed (see regions 58) and secured thereto in a sandwiched manner to form a completed lockable receptacle 97 (see FIG. 7).

The first side 88 a/86 a/84 a/82 a comprises a first main portion panel 88 a, a first spine panel 86 a, a first bottom portion panel 84 a, and a first retention flap 82 a. The first main portion panel 88 a, spine panel 86 a, first bottom portion panel 84 a and first retention flap 82 a are hinged in a series along hinge or fold lines 76 a, 74 a and 72 a respectively. The first main portion panel 88 a and first bottom portion panel 84 a may each be optionally provided with an array of weakened or frangibly connected product release tabs 54. The product release tabs 54 are each optionally formed by a full or half-depth cut that is interrupted by (four) connecting nick portions (shown as short black solid lines in FIG. 2). As such, the product release tabs 54 are frangibly connected to the first main portion panel 88 a and first bottom panel portion 84 a and break-out upon a product ‘P’ being pushed out of a blister ‘B’ of a blister strip. Optionally the product release tabs 54 are identical to one another in size and shape and are positioned in configurations that match the configuration of blister strips to be held thereby. As such, the blank 80 may be differently configured in other embodiments in order to accommodate varying types, size, quantity and arrangement of product holding blisters ‘B’. In an alternative embodiment, release tabs 54 may be omitted; they may be replaced by apertures of the size and shape matching with blister receiving apertures 56 that will be described in the subsequent paragraph.

A longitudinal hinge line 85 connects the first (left) side 88 a/86 a/84 a/82 a to the second (right) side 88 b/86 b/84 b/82 b of the blank 80. The second side 88 b/86 b/84 b/82 b comprises a second main portion panel 88 b, a second spine panel 86 b, a second bottom portion panel 84 b, and a second retention flap 82 b. The second main portion panel 88 b, second spine panel 86 b, second bottom portion panel 84 b and second retention flap 82 b are hinged in a series along hinge or fold lines 76 b, 74 b and 72 b respectively. The second main portion panel 88 b and second bottom portion panel 84 b are each provided with an array of product-holding blister receiving apertures 56. The product-holding blister receiving apertures 56 are each optionally formed by oval-shaped endless cuts such that product-holding blisters of a blister strip may be placed therethrough. Optionally the product-holding blister receiving apertures 56 are identical to one another in size and shape and are positioned in configurations that match the configuration of blister strips to be held thereby. Dashed denotation lines 58 in FIG. 2 show the placement regions for blister strips receivable by the blank 80. The blank 80 may be differently configured in other embodiments in order to accommodate varying types, size, quantity and arrangement of product holding blisters and/or blister strips.

The first main portion panel 88 a additionally comprises an optional aperture 31 a. This aperture 31 a is entirely optional and may be beneficial in demarcating a pressing location off-set therefrom (this is described further below). In addition and in aligned formation, a false blister receiving aperture 31 b is provided in the second main portion panel 88 b. This aperture 31 b receives a false, supporting and non-product holding blister ‘F’ (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 7). The purpose of the false blister ‘F’ is to ensure the proper location of a locking element 90, relative to the locking edge 66/65.

The blank 80 additionally comprises panels for forming the first part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism, the locking element 90, which panels include: a first lap panel 94, that is hinged directly to a first (free) edge 83 of the first main portion panel 88 a of the blank 80 via hinge connection 96; and a second lap panel 92 that is hinged to the first lap panel 94 along a hinge connection 98.

The first lap panel 94 is hinged directly to the free edge 83 of the first main portion panel 88 a at a location that is off-set from a centre-point along the first edge 83 of the first main portion panel 88 a.

To form the lockable receptacle 97, the second lap panel 92 is folded and sandwiched between the first lap panel 94 and the outside face of the first main portion panel 88 a and is affixed thereto such that the locking element 90 is formed as a two-ply arrangement on top of, hinged to and affixed to the outside face of the first main portion panel 88 a.

Before or after formation of the locking element 90, one or more blister strips (e.g., two in FIG. 2) are placed with the blisters passing through the apertures 56 and 31 b, by placing the blisters in regions 58. The blank 80 is folded about longitudinal fold line 85 and the directly contacting parts of the first and second sides 88 a/86 a/84 a/82 a; 88 b/86 b/84 b/82 b are affixed together such that the blister strips are sealed therebetween. Optionally the first and second sides 88 a/86 a/84 a/82 a; 88 b/86 b/84 b/82 b are affixed together by means of a heat and/or pressure activated adhesive coated onto or provided within areas of the blank 80. In other arrangements, other affixing methods may be used.

Thereafter, the lockable receptacle 97 may be placed into a folded form, wherein, the 2-ply retention flap 82 a/82 b is folded about fold line 72 a/72 b such that the first retention flap 82 a is closest to first bottom portion panel 84 b; and the main portion 88 a/88 b is folded toward, over and into superposition with the bottom portion 84 a/84 b such that some of the blisters of the one or more blister strips held thereby are positioned opposed to at least some of the others. The folded lockable receptacle 97 is then ready for insertion into the outer sleeve 95.

In FIG. 3, a package 100 comprising the outer sleeve 95 and lockable receptacle 97 is shown, wherein, the lockable receptacle 97 has been fully inserted into the outer sleeve 95. The lockable receptacle 97 is properly inserted by leading with the fold 72 a/72 b between the retention flap 82 a/82 b and the bottom portion 84 a/84 b thereof and with the main portion 88 a/88 b upper most. The locking element 90 positioned on top of the main portion 88 a/88 b is received, at least partially within the locking aperture 68 b/70 b. The engaging portion of the lockable receptacle 97 is provided by the hinge edge 98 of the locking element 90 which hinge edge 98 is inset from the free-edge 83 of the main portion 88 a/88 b.

In other embodiments, the engaging portion of the lockable receptacle is provided by a cut edge or by a combination of a cut and hinged edges. For example, in an arrangement, wherein the locking element comprises 3 plies of material affixed on top of the main portion 88 a/88 b, a further lap panel may be hinged to the second lap panel 92 and once folded (optionally in a z-shape), the further lap panel may rest on top of the second lap panel 92 and its cut edge may form part of the engaging portion of the lockable receptacle 97. The hinge edge 98 in the illustrated arrangement, optionally comprises a single hinge (with no further hinges stacked on top of it in the direction of the axis between the top wall 12/20/22 and bottom wall 16 of the outer sleeve 95); and along the length of the hinge edge 98 (in the direction of the axis between the first and second side walls 14, 18 of the outer sleeve 95) may comprise, in sequence: a fold line; a full-depth cut or half-depth cut; and a further fold line.

The shape of the locking element 90 (when considered looking down onto the locking element 90) is trapezoidal. It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the sides of the first and second lap panels 94, 92 are obliquely angled relative to the hinge lines 98, 96 and thus, once the second lap panel 92 is folded onto the first lap panel 94 the resultant locking element 90 has a trapezoidal-shaped top. In other envisaged embodiments, the locking element 90 may have a different size, shape and/or relative position to that shown and as a consequence, the locking aperture 68 b/70 b may also have a different size, shape and/or relative position to that shown in order to provide a co-operative recess 68 b/70 b and/or engaging edge 65/66.

The blister strip held by the main portion 88 a/88 b of the lockable receptacle 97 optionally comprises at least one or as shown, a series of product holding blisters ‘B’; and at least one false blister ‘F’. The false blister ‘F’ is located proximate to the locking element 90 (close to and just in front thereof—see FIG. 3) and depends through and from the innermost surface 88 b of the main portion 88 a/88 b. This false blister ‘F’ is provided to support the lockable receptacle 97 in the vicinity of the locking element 90 for ensuring that the locking element 90 accurately locates within the locking aperture 70 b/68 b and properly engages the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism, the locking edge 66/65. However, the false blister ‘F’ may be replaced by any other means for supporting the lockable receptacle 97 in the vicinity of the locking element 90. Such other means may be formed from any material and take any shape as long as it is capable of accurately supporting the locking element 90 in the operative position.

The locking engagement of the lockable receptacle 97 and outer sleeve 95 is shown in FIG. 4, wherein a side view through a cut-away portion of the package 100 is shown. It can be seen how the false blister ‘F’ maintains the locking element 90 in the locking aperture 68 b/70 b and how the engaging portion 98 provided by the fold line 98 between the first and second lap panels of the locking element 90 contacts the locking edge 66/65.

Once the lockable receptacle 97 is stowed entirely within the outer sleeve 95 it is locked and cannot be withdrawn easily without disengaging the locking mechanism and utilising the access aperture 50/70 a/68 a. Grasping of the lockable receptacle 97 in any other way is difficult. As shown in FIG. 3, the spine 86 a/86 b of the lockable receptacle 97 may be flat, smooth and set in to close the front end of the outer sleeve 95 leaving no gaps, ridges, edges or recesses that could be grasped in order to grip the lockable receptacle 97. In other embodiments, the spine 86 a/86 b may be provided with one or more thumb tabs, apertures, ribs, notches, recesses and or other assistive elements to facilitate access to the lockable receptable 97. Such embodiments may be preferred in non-CR required market. The package 100 is opened by applying a downward force to the lockable receptacle 97 that is sufficiently great enough in the region of the locking element 90 to cause the engaging edge 98 of the locking element 90 to move out of engaging relationship with the locking edge 65/66. In the presently illustrated arrangement, a force is applied by a user (see FIG. 6) contacting the lockable receptacle 97 directly with their thumb in the region of the aperture 31 a. At the same time, the provision of the composite access aperture 50/68 a/70 a allows the user to force the lockable receptacle 97 to slide out of the open, front-end of the outer sleeve 95. The elongate and rounded shape of the front most edge of the access aperture 50/70 a/68 a may encourage an authorised user to realise that they need to press down and slide their thumb forward towards the rounded edge. Once at this position, the locking mechanism has been disengaged and sufficient of the lockable receptacle 97 has been pushed out of the outer sleeve 95 that the user can easily grasp it to withdraw it further.

In FIG. 5 arrows showing the application of downwardly directed and front-wardly directed forces are shown. It can be seen also that the downwardly directed force applied to the lockable receptacle 97 in the region of the aperture 31 a/31 b (see FIG. 6) causes downward displacement of the false blister ‘F’ and locking element 90. The bottom portion 84 a/84 b and/or main portion 88 a/88 b is caused to bow and this bowing action of the bottom portion 84 a/84 b enables the locking element 90 to be disengaged and then for the lockable receptacle 97 to be slid forward.

The retention flap 82 a/82 b being folded relative to the bottom portion 84 a/84 b and about fold line 72 a/72 b provides a degree of resilience and causes the retention flap 82 a/82 b to act like a leaf spring that automatically returns the lockable receptacle 97 to its “at rest” position wherein the main portion 88 a/88 b is close to the inner ceiling of the outer sleeve 95 that is provided by the inner top panel 20. As such, once a downward disengaging force is no longer applied, the locking element 90 springs back up and if the lockable receptacle 97 is returned to its fully installed positioned (FIG. 4), then the locking element 90 automatically re-engages the locking edge 65/66.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the outer sleeve, blister strip or inner slide card, the panels for forming the paperboard outer sleeves and the full width locking tail flaps may be adjusted to accommodate differing size and/or shape requirements. The size, shape, number and configuration of the false blisters formed on the locking tail flap 14 may be altered from that illustrated.

In some embodiments more than one locking element may be provided. In such embodiments another locking aperture may be disposed in the intermediate and inner panels, optionally also contiguous with the access apertures therein. In some embodiments, the access apertures and locking apertures in the intermediate and inner panels are separate and are not contiguous. In some embodiments the locking element is not positioned off-centered or at least one locking element has a medial position.

Whereas in the illustrated embodiment, the lockable receptacle is formed from one or more blister strips sandwiched between the main portion and bottom portion panels made of paperboard, in other embodiments, it is envisaged that the blisters ‘B’, ‘F’ and lockable receptacle may be a unitary construct and that the main portion and/or bottom portion and retention flaps may be provided as integral formations of a new blister strip.

In other embodiments, one or more of the lap panels forming the locking element may be hinged to the second main portion panel. In other embodiments only some of the lap panels forming the locking element are hinged to the second main portion panel. In other embodiments, all of the lap panels are connected to the second main portion panel in blank form (at least) and are affixed in a stacked arrangement to the first main portion panel in the constructed lockable receptacle. In an arrangement where one or more lap panels are formed as extensions of the second main portion panel; are connected thereto; and become affixed to the first main portion panel. The locking element may optionally comprise a small spine. The locking element may assist in securing the first and second main panel portions together.

It will be understood that the outer sleeve 95 and lockable receptacle 97 are usable with one another and optionally, benefit may be found by utilising the outer sleeve 95 with its beneficial features with other lockable receptacles, and/or by utilising the lockable receptacle 97 with its beneficial features with other outer sleeves.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not limit necessarily the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. A lockable receptacle for use in a package comprising an outer sleeve and a two-part complementary locking mechanism for releasably locking the lockable receptacle within the outer sleeve, the lockable receptacle providing a first part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism in the form of a locking element co-operative with a second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism that is provided by an outer sleeve, the lockable receptacle comprising a main portion for holding and/or accommodating an article and the locking element being affixed to the main portion and having an engaging portion shaped and arranged for engaging the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism.
 2. A lockable receptacle according to claim 1 wherein the locking element comprises a first lap panel hinged directly to a first edge of the main portion of the lockable receptacle.
 3. A lockable receptacle according to claim 2 wherein the first lap panel is hinged directly to the first edge of the main portion of the lockable receptacle at a location that is off-set from a centre point along the first edge of the main portion.
 4. A lockable receptacle according to claim 3 wherein the engaging portion is provided by a cut and/or hinge edge of the locking element, which cut and/or hinge edge is inset from said first edge of the main portion of the lockable receptacle.
 5. A lockable receptacle according to claim 4 wherein the locking element comprises a second lap panel hinged to the first lap panel, the second lap panel is folded and sandwiched between the first lap panel and the main portion and is affixed thereto such that the locking element is formed as a two-ply arrangement hinged to and affixed to the main portion of the lockable receptacle.
 6. A lockable receptacle according to claim 5 wherein the cut and/or hinge edge comprises, in sequence, a fold line, a full-depth cut or half-depth cut and a further fold line.
 7. The lockable receptacle according to claim 6 wherein the locking element is trapezoidal in shape.
 8. The lockable receptacle according to claim 1 having a series of product holding blisters and comprising a false blister, wherein the false blister is located proximate to the locking element and depends from a second or opposite surface of the main portion and is provided to support the lockable receptacle in the vicinity of the locking element for ensuring that the locking element locates and properly engages the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism.
 9. The lockable receptacle according to wherein the lockable receptacle accommodates two blister strips: a first blister strip sandwiched between a first main portion panel and a second main portion panel of the main portion; and a second blister strip sandwiched between a first bottom portion panel and a second bottom portion panel of a bottom portion of the lockable receptacle, and wherein a first retention flap is connected to the first bottom portion panel and a second retention flap is connected to the second bottom portion panel, a first spine panel connects the first main portion panel to the first bottom portion panel and a second spine panel connects the second main portion panel to the second bottom portion panel.
 10. A package comprising an outer sleeve and lockable receptacle according to claim 1, the outer sleeve having a tubular structure for housing the lockable receptacle defined by: a bottom wall; a composite top wall; a first side wall; and a second side wall, and having an open front end and a closed rear end, the composite top wall comprising an access aperture extending through the composite top wall such that a portion of the lockable receptacle, when held within the outer sleeve, is contactable therethrough, and the composite top wall comprising a second part of a two-part complementary locking mechanism for engaging the locking element of the lockable receptacle, said second part comprising a locking aperture formed in at least one panel forming the composite top wall.
 11. A package according to claim 10 wherein the composite top wall comprises: an outer top panel, an intermediate top panel and an inner top panel, wherein the access aperture is formed from an outer aperture in the outer top panel; an intermediate aperture in the intermediate top panel; and an inner aperture in the inner top panel, which outer aperture, intermediate aperture and inner aperture are sized and at least partially super-positioned such that the access aperture extends through part of the composite top wall, and wherein the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism comprises an intermediate locking aperture in the intermediate top panel and an inner locking aperture in the inner top panel, the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture being sized and super-positioned such that a cut edge of the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture together form a locking edge against which the engaging portion of the locking element abuts when the lockable receptacle is locked within the outer sleeve.
 12. A package according to claim 11 wherein the access aperture is sized and positioned to enable at least part of the lockable receptacle to be depressed or deformed to a sufficient degree to release the locking element from engagement with the locking edge and to enable the lockable receptacle to be moved out of the outer sleeve through the open end.
 13. A package according to claim 12 wherein the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism is occluded from view by the outer top panel.
 14. A package according to claim 12 wherein the intermediate access aperture and the intermediate locking aperture are connected; and the inner access aperture and the inner locking aperture are connected.
 15. A package according to claim 14 wherein the intermediate locking aperture is positioned substantially to the side of the intermediate access aperture and wherein the inner locking aperture is positioned substantially to the side of the inner access aperture.
 16. An outer sleeve for use in the package of claim 10, the outer sleeve having a tubular structure for housing a lockable receptacle defined by: a bottom wall; a composite top wall; a first side wall; and a second side wall, and having an open front end and a closed rear end, the composite top wall comprising an access aperture extending through the composite top wall such that a portion of a lockable receptacle, when held within the outer sleeve, is contactable therethrough, and the composite top wall comprising a second part of a two-part complementary locking mechanism for engaging the locking element of the lockable receptacle, said second part comprising a locking aperture formed in at least one panel forming the composite top wall.
 17. An outer sleeve according to claim 16 wherein the composite top wall comprises: an outer top panel, an intermediate top panel and an inner top panel, wherein the access aperture is formed from an outer aperture in the outer top panel; an intermediate aperture in the intermediate top panel; and an inner aperture in the inner top panel, which outer aperture, intermediate aperture and inner aperture are sized and at least partially super-positioned such that the access aperture extends through part of the composite top wall, and wherein the second part of the two-part complementary locking mechanism comprises an intermediate locking aperture in the intermediate top panel and an inner locking aperture in the inner top panel, the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture being sized and super-positioned such that a cut edge of the intermediate locking aperture and inner locking aperture together form a locking edge against which the engaging portion of the locking element abuts when the lockable receptacle is locked within the outer sleeve. 